Friday, December 17, 2010

Rebels of the Victorian Age.... The Pre-Raphaelites

Many do not know of the Pre-Raphaelites... a passionate artistic movement during the middle Victorian Era whose paintings still resonate with us today.

A characteristic of Pre-Raphaelites style with which they painted was to portray women & men in un-corseted bodies with free flowing hair and loosely draped robes and dresses that are reminiscent of the Greco-Roman era and medieval times. Portraying religious, historical, or common everyday moments in a romantic idealized manner.

Here is a slide show of this movements most notable paintings
I've included paintings by Elizabeth Siddal in the slideshow, her artwork was not as publicized as the men of this era.

photo of Elizabeth Siddal [model for Ophelia]

Regina Cordium

Rest In Peace Elizabeth,

you will remain in our hearts forever.

Gone

a poem by Elizabeth Siddall

To touch the glove upon her tender hand, To watch the jewel sparkle in her ring, Lifted my heart into a sudden song As when the wild birds sing. To touch her shadow on the sunny grass, To break her pathway through the darkened wood, Filled all my life with trembling and tears And silence where I stood. I watch the shadows gather round my heart, I live to know that she is gone – Gone gone for ever, like the tender dove That left the Ark alone

Champions of Antiquation

Blog Award

Authors note...

I love how comfortable and innocent children's clothes are during this era, I find the stiff corseted look of ladies fashions [although the height of handcrafted beauty and design] to be too constricting for me anymore. I will also be covering other skills devalued by mechanization, free patterns & alterations & other Victorian era style modifications.